Thanks, everyone, for the comments left on the blog this week. You all make the blog more interesting and I really appreciate all your feedback and love!
So, it’s time to pick a winner of the Grace & ‘lil Grace jewelry set!
Using random.org – the winner is ….
#23 – Erin
Congratulations, Erin! I just need you to send me your mailing address so I can get you your prize in the mail! :)E-mail me at gillian@gigiphotography.com to get things sorted out. 🙂
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” The greatest discovery
of my generation
is that human beings can alter their lives
by altering their attitudes of mind.”
~William James
I’m thinking about some things in my life … and thinking big. It’s going to take a while to evolve, but God willing, it will!
Wondering what kind of deliciousness is in my coffee cup today?
Let me share.
I’m sure you all know that I love homemade treats – they are usually healthier and cheaper – bonus! So this morning, I thought I’d try to make homemade vanilla syrup for my coffee. And homemade caramel sauce. It was super, insanely easy … if I can do it, you can!
I think it’s safe to call me cheap – or rather, thrifty – I don’t like spending $5 on a speciality coffee but I LOVE treating myself to a coffee (especially after a long, hard day) … so I thought I’d keep trying to come up with ways to drink them at home.
Here’s the recipe for the Cup of Heaven pictured in the above photograph:
You’ll need vanilla syrup, espresso shots and caramel sauce.
Here’s how to make your own vanilla syrup ….
1.5 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Bring to a boil in a saucepan, stirring lots, until the sugar is dissolved. And that’s it! Done!! Store in a jar that is easy for pouring – add to any type of coffee for a special treat.
Now on to the caramel sauce – yummmm … THIS can be used for so much – topping on a cake, dip for apples or drizzled over coffee.
Homemade caramel sauce (credit goes to The Joy of Cooking):
1/4 cup water
8 tablespoons of butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
pinch of salt ( -> I didn’t put salt in, though.)
Place sugar in a small heavy sauce pan. Pour water evenly over the top. Turn stove top to medium-high heat. Hold sauce pan by the handle and swirl occasionally until sugar has dissolved. (Avoid letting sugar burn until completely dissolved.) Cover pan, turn heat to high, and boil for 2 minutes. Take off the lid and continue to boil until syrup turns brown around the edges of the pan. Again grab the handle and swirl syrup occasionally until it turns a deep amber and begins to smoke.
Remove pan from heat and add the butter. Whisk the butter and mixture together gently.
Stir in cream. If your sauce become lumpy, set pan over low heat and stir until smooth then turn off heat again.
Stir in vanilla and salt and store in the fridge.
[Okay, so sidenote – I didn’t follow these directions very well and kinda put everything in the sauce pan all at the same time – silly me. :S It still worked out though, but it probably would be a darker amber colour if I followed the instructions properly.]
Now that you’ve made your syrup and sauce, here’s how to make the fancy-schmancy coffee.
Vanilla Caramel Macchiato:
– two shots of espresso
-1/2 cup of steamed milk
– dash of the lovely homemade vanilla syrup
-drizzle homemade caramel sauce over top
AND ENJOY!
Happy Weekend! Yippeee!!
by Gigi
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